Masked Armed Robber Strikes Fast-Food Restaurant Near I-5

Two men are in custody tonight after reportedly calling in a car stolen -- a car that was spotted at the scene of an armed robbery of a fast food restaurant in Laguna Hills Monday.

The incident, which included a series of bumbles for the suspects, began shortly before 9 p.m. Monday at the Carl’s Jr. on Alicia Parkway near the I-5 Freeway, said Lt. Jeff Hallock of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

A man wearing a mask entered the restaurant and threatened a patron with a small, black handgun. The suspect was unable to get any property or money from the customer, so the suspect moved on to an employee, Hallock said.

This time, the suspect was successful in his robbery attempt, Hallock said. He then exited Carl’s Jr. to a waiting getaway car and an accomplice behind the wheel.

Except the car wouldn’t start. The two then left on foot, Hallock said.

Later, a man called the Sheriff’s Department to report a stolen car -- the same car sitting in the Carl’s Jr. parking lot, Hallock said.

“The deputies were keyed on something not being right,” and eventually concluded that the car’s owner was one of the alleged suspects.

Arrested were Justin Walsh, 22 and Christian Linaros, 20, on suspicion of armed robbery.

“The gun is still outstanding and we were able to recover what we believe is a portion of the cash,” Hallock said.

PHOTO Patch file photo.